Fade To Black's new Thunder Pads are available now.

TOLEDO, Ohio USA — Fade To Black's Fred Ziegler now has a line of heavy-duty launch pads available called Thunder Pads.  Ziegler was on hand at the recent NARAM49 launch showing off some of these new pads and still has some from that production run for sale.

All Thunder Pads are constructed from heavy-guage steel for years of hassle-free service, and comes with windage adustments of 20 degrees off vertical and lowers to 30 degrees of horizontal for easy loading.

Unlike many pads, the Thunder Pads feature three legs instead of four. This triangulates the base so that it's stable, even on irregular surfaces. The legs also have adjustable feet to allow the user to level the pad on such surfaces.

Available in two sizes, standard and heavy, the Thunder Pads set up and break down quickly and easily, and store away in a relatively small space or box. Now you can spend more time flying instead of setting up the range.

The standard pad has a 2-foot footprint radius, accepts up to a 10 pound rocket, and is priced at $99 (plus $25 for shipping and handling".  The heavy pad has a 4-foot footprint radius, accepts up to a 20 pound rocket, and is priced at $129 (plus $25 for shipping and handling).

All pads come with rod adapter but no rods or rails are included.

Website: http://members.buckeye-express.com/turbopig/pads.htm

08-14-2007 10:39 PM  #1
porthos Certified Level One   Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 29	Hi gang, Thanks for all the interest in my pads. Just a note, check out the website, I've added some upgrades that you might be interested in. I've got lock pins available for $12 per pad, and knobbed screws to replace the retaining bolts on the base and reciever for $6 per pad. If you order both upgrades, the total cost will be only $15. I'm also offering the pads in yellow (yeah, yeah, I know, but you guys are asking for it) as well as the standard black color. All paint is either Industrial grade enamel or epoxy for high abrasion resistance and durability. I now have select rods and rails available as well. Contact me with any questions or to purchase a pad. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Thanks! Fred Ziegler Fade to Black Rocket Works http://members.buckeye-express.com/turbopig/ftb.htm

08-26-2007 12:04 PM  #2
porthos Certified Level One   Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 29	Hey guys, get 'em quick, I have only three pads left available from this run! I have one standard and two heavy pad ready to paint and ship. A big thank you to all the folks that have purchased the first bunch of pads, I'll be ready to start the next run when the remaining few are gone. As always, comments and questions are gladly accepted. And thank you Darrel for putting FTB on the map. I appreciate it! Fred

08-26-2007 12:51 PM  #3
ddmobley Administrator   Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 3213	Quote: And thank you Darrel for putting FTB on the map. I appreciate it! Fred, I'm glad to help ... but you are doing all the hard work!

09-19-2007 04:04 PM  #4
fox_racing_guy Certified Level Two   Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 122	I received my Thunder Pad today and I'm more than pleased! For the price I don't think you will find one better and Fred was a outstanding person to deal with every step of the way. This pad comes with everything complete and I will give it my highest recommendation! The enclosed pics are with my 4" IQSY Tomahawk mounted up to give it some scale.

09-19-2007 04:36 PM  #5
ddmobley Administrator   Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 3213	Thanks for this post! It is great to hear from satisfied customers...

09-19-2007 11:07 PM  #6
porthos Certified Level One   Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 29	Quote: Thanks for this post! It is great to hear from satisfied customers... Sure is. Thanks Mark, glad you like it. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.

09-22-2007 09:27 PM  #7
VARocketflyer New Member   Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 4	Hi folks, I'm a member of VAST (Valley Aerospace Team) and we launch monthly out of Middlebrook, VA near Staunton at what is probably the most beautiful launch site on the East Coast. We just got one of the Heavy Duty Thunder Pads for our club and everyone who used it at our last launch really liked it. In fact, people were switching it back and forth from 3/8" rod to 1010 rail and then to 1/2" rod and to 1515 rail and so on just to try it out. All these changes were very easy to accomplish and with the upgrade to knobs that is offered, can be done without tools. It is well-designed, sturdy, well-built, easy to use, and breaks down into a very tight, easy to carry bundle. Fred, of Fade to Black Rocket Works, has done a great job of designing, building, and getting this pad to market and he runs a very tight ship. The pad was pre-ordered and the production date it was scheduled for was met and it was delivered to us on the date promised with no hassle whatsoever. I would recommend this design to any individual or club looking to purchase a pad for mid thru high power use. You won't be dissapointed. Mark Miller Valley Aerospace Team (VAST) http://www.valleyaerospace.com